Have you ever wondered what makes Ariana Grande‘s songs so irresistible? From her beginnings on the pop scene to becoming a fixture on music charts around the world, Ariana Grande has demonstrated her versatile talents in a variety of genres. What makes her melodies stand out from the rest? In this comprehensive ranking, we take a look at her catchiest songs. Get ready to rediscover your favorite tracks, and maybe discover some new ones too.
The essentials of Ariana Grande’s discography
Debut and early success
Ariana Grande burst onto the scene with her debut album Yours Truly in 2013, when she was barely 20. This collection showcased her impeccable vocal talent and paved the way for a new era of soulful R&B-infused pop. Among the gems on this album, the track “The Way” stands out, highlighting her potential to become a pop powerhouse. With its catchy melody and vocal finesse, the song announces that Ariana Grande is a modern pop princess.
Breaking through – The My Everything era
The release of the album My Everything marked a monumental shift in the singer’s career trajectory. This album, rich in featuring and vibrant pop anthems, established her as a mainstay in the music industry. The track “Problem”, a collaboration with Nicki Minaj, emerged as a defining single. With its upbeat tempo and memorable hook, “Problem” dominated 2014’s summer playlists and charts.
Evolution into a pop powerhouse
As her musical journey evolved, Ariana Grande embraced original challenges and artistic growth with albums like Sweetener and Thank U, Next. These albums reflect her maturity as a vocalist and as an artist unafraid to explore deep personal themes and innovative soundscapes. Sweetener, released in 2018, breaks new ground with its combination of light, airy tracks and deeply personal lyrics, while Thank U, Next offers a raw, introspective look at her emotional trials and triumphs. Both albums have received critical acclaim for the singer’s ability to continually redefine her music and resonate with a wide audience.
Top 10 catchiest Ariana Grande songs ranked
Ariana Grande’s discography is packed with tracks that redefine the boundaries of pop music. From heartwarming ballads to electrifying hits, here’s a look at the 10 songs that have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
10. “Everytime” – Sweetener: this song combines heartfelt lyrics with a soothing melody that resonates with listeners.
9. “Boyfriend” – Social House: blends catchy pop hooks with a playful narrative. Its engaging vibe makes it a standout track that explores themes of love and vulnerability.
8. “Breathin” – Sweetener: with its uplifting message and robust production, this song strikes a chord with anyone seeking solace in music during tough times.
7. “Bang Bang” feat. Jessie J, Nicki Minaj – Sweet Talker: a powerhouse collaboration that delivers high energy and a fierce beat, perfect for any dance floor.
6. “Thank U, Next” – Thank U, Next: this anthem of self-love and resilience became a cultural milestone.
5. “No Tears Left to Cry” – Sweetener: merges a message of hope and renewal with a dynamic beat.
4. “Side to Side” feat. Nicki Minaj – Dangerous Woman: this track features a reggae influence and a memorable hook, underscored by a collaboration that highlights Ariana Grande’s versatility.
3. “The Way” – Yours Truly: this early hit captures the essence of young love with its infectious melody and standout vocal performance.
2. “Problem” – My Everything: a defining song in the star’s career, the track features a saxophone riff and vocals that created a pop sensation.
1. “Into You” – Dangerous Woman : tops our list as the quintessential Ariana Grande song with its irresistible beat, lyrical depth, and robust vocal prowess.
Signature themes and styles
Ariana Grande not only captures audiences with her hit songs and her distinctive themes and vocal styles. Here, we explore the nuances of her music that make her a standout artist in the realm of pop music.
Vocal marvel and influences
Often compared to legendary singers, Ariana Grande’s vocal prowess remains unrivalled on today’s music scene.
- Range and control: Ariana Grande has a remarkable four-octave range, and navigates complex melodic lines with precision.
- Influence and comparison: The media and fans frequently draw parallels between her and Mariah Carey due to their similar vocal abilities and musical styles.
- Signature techniques: her use of melisma, breathy tones, and dynamic control showcases a technical mastery rare in the industry.
Lyrical deep dives and emotional resonance
Ariana Grande’s lyrics offer a glimpse into her personal journey that resonates with a diverse audience.
- Personal reflections: songs like “Thank U, Next” and “Ghostin'” provide insights into her personal experiences with loss and gratitude.
- Emotional depth: her ability to convey complex emotions through music connects deeply with listeners and offers them solace and understanding.
- Narrative strength: each song builds a strong emotional narrative, whether it’s the joy of newfound love or the pain of separation.
The impact of collaborations and production
Ariana Grande’s rise to prominence in the pop music landscape is based on her solo efforts, as well as her strategic partnerships and innovative production techniques.
Dynamic duos
Collaborations with other artists, notably Nicki Minaj, highlight her versatility and ability to blend different musical styles.
- Iconic collaborations: the song “Side to Side”, featuring Nicki Minaj, is a perfect example of how two artists with opposing styles can create a chart-topping hit.
- Synergy and success: collaborations with artists such as The Weeknd and John Legend demonstrate his ability to transcend genres and appeal to fans of R&B, soul and other styles.
- Impact on popularity: these collaborative efforts have attracted new fans from different musical spheres, boosting listenership and chart positions.
Behind the music – Production insights
The producers she works with regularly introduce fresh sounds that set trends in popular music.
- Production techniques: from the use of futuristic beats in Sweetener to the seamless integration of orchestral elements in Thank U, Next, the production quality ensures each single stands out.
- Innovative sounds: producers like Pharrell Williams and Max Martin have helped craft a signature sound that is instantly recognizable and often imitated across the industry.
- Enhancing catchiness: elements such as multi-layered harmonies, intricate backbeats, and digital enhancements contribute to the earworm quality of her hit songs.
Cultural impact and legacy
Ariana Grande’s influence on the music industry and popular culture extends far beyond her immediate success. Her songs resonate with a global audience, and her impact on music trends and public discourse cements her status as a pop icon.
Chart-topping success
Ariana Grande’s journey on the Billboard charts reflects her incredible prowess and appeal. Each single and album release seems to secure top positions with remarkable consistency.
- Billboard achievements: the track “Problem”, in its first week of sales, sold 438,000 copies, making Arirana Grande’s debut at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 her biggest-ever week for digital song sales. Later, the song surpassed “The Way” to become her highest-charting single in the US at number two.
- Awards and accolades: she has actually won several American Music Awards in 2013, 2015 and 2016. She was also nominated at the Billboard Music Awards in the “Top Female Artist”, “Top New Artist”, “Top Social Artist”, or “Top Hot 100 Artist” and “Top Streaming Artist” categories. But it was finally in 2019 that she landed the “Top Female Artist” trophy and in 2021 “Best pop performance by a duo or group”.
- Sales milestones: in 2018 and again in 2019, her two successive albums “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next” topped the sales charts, selling over 2.5 million copies.
Influence on pop culture and music trends
With 379 million followers on Instagram, Ariana Grande does much more than top the charts; she resonates with and reflects the aspirations of a generation.
- Fashion icon: her distinctive style, featuring her signature ponytail and bold outfits, has become a trendsetter and influenced fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
- Language and catchphrases: lyrics from her songs often turn into catchphrases that dominate social media and everyday conversation.
- Role model: she was the participant who attracted the most attention at the Met 2024 gala, with media coverage estimated at $20.5 million.
Now in 2024, Ariana Grande continues to evolve artistically with her latest project, Eternal Sunshine. Echoing the depth of albums like Lady Gaga’s “Artpop”, Ariana Grande’s new album fuses personal growth with musical echoes of the 90s and 2000s. Immerse yourself in her journey and discover her catchiest songs by listening to them on Deezer today.
